§ Lord O'Haganasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will assess the disadvantage faced by regions of the United Kingdom which do not have their own Secretary of State, unlike Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales; and
Whether they will appoint a Secretary of State for the West Country.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Baroness Denton of Wakefield)The Government do not believe that the regions are disadvantaged because they do not have their own Secretary of State. The organisation of government functions in England relates primarily to a departmental division of responsibilities. Many government departments have regional organisations in England and their regional offices are able to monitor and advise Ministers on the regional impact of policies.
Against this background, it would not be appropriate to appoint a Secretary of State for the West Country.